Locating and presenting key regions of a graphical user interface

ABSTRACT

In an example method, an electronic device receives data regarding a graphical user interface to be presented on a display of the electronic device. The electronic device identifies one or more key regions of the graphical user interface based on the received data and one or more rules. The one or more rules pertain to at least one of a geometric shape, a geometric size, a location, or a hierarchical property. The graphical user interface is presented on the display of the electronic device, and the at least one of the key regions of the graphical user interface is indicated using the electronic device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to generating and presenting graphicaluser interfaces.

BACKGROUND

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of interface that allowsusers to interact with electronic devices through visual representationsof information. Visual representations of information can include, forexample, one or more graphical elements, such as text, images, shapes,colors, patterns, or combinations thereof.

In an example implementation, an electronic device can present a GUI toa user (e.g., through a display screen or other output device), andallow the user to interact with the GUI to input commands (e.g., througha mouse, a touch-sensitive panel, a stylus, or other input device). Theelectronic device can perform various functions in response to theuser's interactions.

SUMMARY

Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable mediumsare disclosed for identifying and indicating the key regions of a GUI.

In general, in an aspect, a method includes receiving, in an electronicdevice, data regarding a graphical user interface to be presented on adisplay of the electronic device. The method also includes identifying,at the electronic device, one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface based on the received data and one or more rules. The one ormore rules pertain to at least one of a geometric shape, a geometricsize, a location, or a hierarchical property. The method also includespresenting, on the display of the electronic device, the graphical userinterface. The method also includes indicating, using the electronicdevice, at least one of the key regions of the graphical user interface.

In general, in another aspect, a system includes a display device, oneor more processors, and a non-transitory computer-readable mediumincluding one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed bythe one or more processes, causes the system to receive data regarding agraphical user interface to be presented on the display device, andidentify one or more key regions of the graphical user interface basedon the received data and one or more rules. The one or more rulespertain to at least one of a geometric shape, a geometric size, alocation, or a hierarchical property. The system also presents, on thedisplay device, the graphical user interface, and indicates at least oneof the key regions of the graphical user interface.

In general, in another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable mediumincludes one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed byone or more processors, causes the several operations. The operationsinclude receiving, in an electronic device, data regarding a graphicaluser interface to be presented on a display of the electronic device.The operations also include identifying, at the electronic device, oneor more key regions of the graphical user interface based on thereceived data and one or more rules. The one or more rules pertain to atleast one of a geometric shape, a geometric size, a location, or ahierarchical property. The operations also include presenting, on thedisplay of the electronic device, the graphical user interface. Theoperations also include indicating, using the electronic device, atleast one of the key regions of the graphical user interface.

Implementations of these aspects may include one or more of thefollowing features.

In some implementations, indicating at least one of the key regions ofthe graphical user interface can include visually indicating, on thedisplay of the electronic device, at least one of the key regions of thegraphical user interface.

In some implementations, indicating at least one of the key regions ofthe graphical user interface can include aurally indicating, using anaudio output of the electronic device, information regarding at leastone of the key regions of the graphical user interface.

In some implementations, aurally indicating information regarding atleast one of the key regions of the graphical user interface can includeoutputting a spoken description of contents of at least one of the keyregions.

In some implementations, identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface can include determining a geometric shape of aportion of the graphical user interface based on the received data,determining that the geometric shape of the portion of the graphicaluser interface satisfies at least one of the rules, and responsive todetermining that the geometric shape of the portion of the graphicaluser interface satisfies at least one of the rules, identifying theportion of the graphical user interface as one of the key regions.

In some implementations, identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface can include determining a geometric size of aportion of the graphical user interface based on the received data,determining that the geometric size of the portion of the graphical userinterface satisfies at least one of the rules, and responsive todetermining that the geometric size of the portion of the graphical userinterface satisfies at least one of the rules, identifying the portionof the graphical user interface as one of the key regions.

In some implementations, identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface can include determining a location of a portionof the graphical user interface based on the received data, determiningthat the location of the portion of the graphical user interfacesatisfies at least one of the rules, and responsive to determining thatthe location of the portion of the graphical user interface satisfies atleast one of the rules, identifying the portion of the graphical userinterface as one of the key regions.

In some implementations, identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface can include determining a hierarchicalrelationship between a portion of the graphical user interface with oneor more other portions of the graphical user interface based on thereceived data, determining that the hierarchical relationship satisfiesat least one of the rules, and responsive to determining that thehierarchical relationship satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the portion of the graphical user interface as one of thekey regions.

In some implementations, identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface can include determining contents of a portionof the graphical user interface based on the received data, determiningthat the contents of the portion of the graphical user interfacesatisfies at least one of the rules, and responsive to determining thatthe contents of the portion of the graphical user interface satisfies atleast one of the rules, identifying the portion of the graphical userinterface as one of the key regions. The contents of the portion of thegraphical user interface can include at least one of a button, a radiobutton, a table, a scroll bar, an icon, a text string, an image, or atext field. The contents of the portion of the graphical user interfacecan satisfy at least one of the rules if the contents of portion of thegraphical user interface contains a particular combination of buttons,radio buttons, tables, scroll bars, icons, text strings, images, and/ortext fields.

In some implementations, at least one of the key regions can correspondto a navigation portion of the graphical user interface, a contentselection portion of the graphical user interface, or a contentpresentation portion of the graphical user interface.

In some implementations, the method can further include receiving, atthe electronic device, a user input specifying that another identifiedkey region be indicated on the graphical user interface, and responsiveto receiving the user input, indicating, using the electronic device,another identified key region of the graphical user interface.

In some implementations, the received data may not explicitly identifyportions of the graphical user interface as the one or more key regions.

Other implementations are directed to systems, devices andnon-transitory, computer-readable mediums.

Particular implementations provide at least the following advantages. Insome cases, an electronic device can provide a user with assistanceregarding a GUI, such that the user can readily distinguish relativelyimportant or pertinent portions of a GUI from other portions of the GUI.In some cases, the electronic device can identify key regions of the GUIwithout having explicit information regarding which of the portions ofthe GUI correspond to key regions. Thus, the electronic device canidentify key regions of a GUI, even if a user, a software developer, anadministrator, or some other entity has not previously identified thoseregions as such. Therefore, the electronic device can provide the userwith assistance, even if the GUI had not been designed with thisfunctionality in mind.

Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, andpotential advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings,and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example graphical user interface (GUI).

FIGS. 2A-D and 3 illustrate the GUI of FIG. 1 in an accessibility mode.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example GUI in an accessibility mode.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example process for identifying andindicating the key regions of a GUI.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example client device architecture forimplementing the features and processes described in reference to FIGS.1-5.

DESCRIPTION Overview

As a GUI includes one or more graphical elements, a user often must becapable of viewing and interpreting these graphical elements to interactwith the GUI. For example, an electronic device can include a GUI thatvisually presents each of several commands in the form of graphicalicons. To instruct the electronic device to execute a particular desiredcommand, the user must view each of the graphical icons, discern whichof the icons corresponds to the desired command, then select theappropriate graphical icon on the GUI. As another example, a GUI canvisually present a variety of information in each of several portions ofthe GUI. To find a desired piece of information, the user must view theGUI, then ascertain which portion of the GUI corresponds to the desiredpiece of information.

However, such a task may be difficult for users with impaired vision.For example, a user with poor vision may be unable to distinguish onegraphical icon from other, making it difficult for the user to select adesired command from among several available choices. As anotherexample, a user with poor vision may be unable to distinguish oneportion of a GUI from another, making it difficult for the user toascertain which portions of the GUI are presenting relevant information.

Further, such a task also may be difficult for users who are unwillingor otherwise unable to view the GUI as they interact with the electronicdevice. For example, a user may find it inconvenient or unsafe tocontinuously view a GUI as he interacts with an electronic device (e.g.,while the user is operating a vehicle, or performing some other taskthat requires his sight). Thus, although the user is interacting withthe GUI, he may be unable to view the GUI as he is doing so. As anotherexample, a user may interact with an electronic device that does nothave a display device, and thus, the user cannot view the GUI at all.

The electronic device can provide assistance to the user, such that theuser can interpret the information presented by the GUI and interactwith the GUI, even if the user has impaired vision, or is unwilling orunable to view the GUI.

In some cases, the electronic device can provide assistance byidentifying key regions of the GUI, then providing the user with anindication of these key regions. This can be beneficial, for example, asit allows the electronic device to accentuate portions of the GUI thatinclude relatively important or pertinent information, such that theuser can readily distinguish those portions from other portions of theGUI that include relatively unimportant or unrelated information. Keyregions of a GUI can include, for example, regions of the GUI thatpresent available commands, selection options, content, and/or otherinformation of relatively greater importance or pertinence to the user.Regions that are not key regions can include, for example, portions ofthe GUI that are presented solely or primarily for cosmetic or aestheticpurposes, or portions of the GUI that include relatively unimportant orunrelated information.

In some cases, the electronic device can indicate key regions of the GUIvisually. For example, the electronic device can highlight, outline,expand, or re-present information from the key regions, such that thekey regions and/or the information contained within these regions aremore visually distinctive within the GUI. This can be beneficial, forexample, in assisting users who have at least some degree of vision, butcannot easily distinguish between the graphical elements of the GUI.

In some cases, the electronic device can indicate key regions of the GUIaurally. For example, the electronic device can generate spoken audio,sound effects, music, or other audio indications, such that the keyregions and/or the information contained within these regions areaurally indicated to the user. This can be beneficial, for example, inassisting users who cannot view the GUI at all (e.g., users who areblind, or otherwise unwilling or unable to view the GUI). This also canbe beneficial, for example, in assisting users who wish to receiveinformation through senses other than sight. In some cases, visualindications, aural indications, or a combination of both can be used toindicate the key regions and/or the information contained within theseregions.

In some cases, an electronic device can identify one or more key regionsof the GUI by parsing information from the GUI, and interpreting theparsed information according to one or more rules. These rules candefine various properties and conditions upon which a portion of a GUIcan be identified a key region. For example, a rule can specify thatportions of a GUI having particular geometric shapes are key regions ofthe GUI. As another example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUIhaving particular geometric sizes are key regions of the GUI. As yetanother example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI positioned ina particular location of the GUI are key regions of the GUI. As yetanother example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI having aparticular hierarchical property with respect to other portions of theGUI are key regions of the GUI. As yet another example, a rule canspecify that portions of a GUI having particular contents, types ofcontent, or combinations thereof are key regions of the GUI. In somecases, several different rules can be used in conjunction to determinewhich portions of the GUI are key regions.

This can be beneficial, for example, as it allows the electronic deviceto identify key regions of the GUI without having explicit informationregarding which of the portions of the GUI correspond to key regions.Thus, the electronic device can identify key regions of a GUI, even if auser, a software developer, an administrator, or some other entity hasnot previously identified those regions as such. For example, when asoftware developer develops an application having a GUI, the softwaredeveloper need not specifically include information that explicitlyidentifies each of the portions of the GUI as key regions. Instead, theelectronic device can parse the GUI, then automatically make adetermination based on one or more rules. As such, the electronic devicecan provide the user with assistance, even if the GUI had not beendesigned with this functionality in mind.

FIG. 1 shows an example GUI 100. In this example, the GUI 100 includes awindow 110 that presents information regarding fonts that are installedon an electronic device. A user can use the GUI 100, for example, tobrowse through these fonts, search for one or more fonts of interest,and view more information regarding a selected font.

The window 110 includes several portions 102 a-d, each positioned at adifferent location on the window 110. For example, the window 110includes a content region 102 a that presents information to a user. Inthe example shown, the content region 102 a displays detailedinformation regarding a particular font (e.g., exemplary charactersusing the “Andale Mono Regular” typeface). Here, the content region 102a includes too much information to display at once. Thus, the contentregion 102 a also includes a scroll bar 104 that allows a user to scrollthrough the information.

The window 110 also includes a content navigator region 102 b thatallows the user to select information that he wishes to view. Based onthe user's selection, the content region 102 a is updated in response.For instance, in this example, the content navigator region 102 bincludes a list of fonts that are available on the electronic device. Auser can select one of the listed fonts, and in response, the contentregion 102 a updates by displaying information regarding the selectedfont. In some cases, the relationship between the content region 102 aand the content navigator region 102 b can be a hierarchicalrelationship. For example, the content region 102 a can be organized ona first hierarchical level (e.g., a “child” level), and the contentnavigator region 102 b can be organized on a second hierarchical levelabove the first hierarchical level (e.g., a “parent” level). Here, thecontent navigator region 102 b also includes too much information todisplay at once. Thus, the content navigator region 102 b also includesa scroll bar 106 that allows a user to scroll through the information.

The window 110 also includes a top level navigator region 102 c thatalso allows the user to select information that he wishes to view. Basedon the user's selection, the content region 102 a, the content navigatorregion 102 b, or both, are updated in response. For instance, in thisexample, the top level navigator region 102 c includes an option to viewall fonts that are available on the electronic device, and options toview a subset of those fonts (e.g., different “collections” of fonts). Auser can select one of the options, and in response, the contentnavigator region 102 b updates by displaying a list of fonts accordingto the user's selection. The content region 102 a also updates bydisplaying information regarding one of the fonts listed in the contentnavigator region 102 b. In some cases, the relationship between thecontent region 102 a, the content navigator region 102 b, and the toplevel navigator region 102 c can be a hierarchical relationship. Forexample, the content region 102 a can be organized on a firsthierarchical level (e.g., a “child” level), the content navigator region102 b can be organized on a second hierarchical level above the firsthierarchical level (e.g., a “parent” level), and the top level navigatorregion 102 c can be organized on a third hierarchical level above thefirst and second hierarchical levels (e.g., a “grandparent” level).

The window 110 also includes a search bar 102 d. The search bar 102 dprovides an input region that allows the user to input one or morecriteria to filter the information shown in the window 110. Forinstance, in this example, a user can input a text string into thesearch bar 102 d, and in response, the window 110 displays one or morefonts matching the entered text string.

As described above, a user typically must be capable of viewing andinterpreting each of the portions 102 a-d to effectively interact withthe GUI 100. However, such a task may be difficult for users withimpaired vision, or for users who are unwilling or otherwise unable toview the GUI 100 as they interact with the electronic device. In thesesituations, the electronic device can provide assistance to the user,such that the user can interpret the information presented by the GUI100 and interact with the GUI 100, even if the user has impaired vision,or is unwilling or unable to view the GUI.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of how the electronic device can provideassistance to a user. In this example, FIG. 2A shows a GUI 100. As withFIG. 1, the GUI 100 includes a window 110 that includes severalportions, including a content region 102 a, a content navigator region102 b, a top level navigator region 102 c, and a search bar 102 d. Asshown in FIG. 2A, the GUI 100 also includes two additional windows 202and 204 that provide information regarding particular portions of theGUI 100. In some cases, this configuration can be referred to as an“accessibility” mode.

In some cases, the accessibility mode can be selectively activated anddeactivated by a user. For instance, when a user is viewing the GUI 100and wishes to receive assistance from his electronic device, he caninput a command to invoke the accessibility mode. As examples, the usercan input one or more keystrokes on a keyboard, perform one or moreclicks on a mouse, perform one or more gestures using an input device,utter one or more words or phrases into a microphone, or a combinationthereof. In response, the electronic device can invoke the accessibilitymode to provide assistance to the user.

In some cases, the accessibility mode can be automatically activated anddeactivated by a user. For instance, the electronic device can recordinformation regarding each of several users, including informationregarding the user's preferences with respect to the accessibility mode.When each user logs onto the electronic device, the electronic deviceretrieves that user's preferences regarding the accessibility mode. Inresponse, the electronic device can invoke the accessibility mode forusers who wish to use it, and deactivate the accessibility mode forusers who do not wish to use it. In some cases, an electronic device canautomatically activate and deactivate the accessibility mode, and alsoallow a user to selectively activate and deactivate as he desires.

Windows 202 and 204 present information from the window 110, such thatthe information is more readily understandable to a user. For instance,the window 202 lists each of several key regions of the GUI 100. In theexample shown in FIG. 2A, the window 202 lists the content region 102 a,the content navigator region 102 b, the top level navigator region 102c, and the search bar 102 d. The user can cycle through this listing toselect a particular portion of the GUI 100 that he is interested in. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2A, the search bar 102 d is selected. Inresponse, the GUI 100 visually indicates the search bar 102 d with anoutline 206 around the search bar 102 d. This visual indication allowsthe user to more readily identify the search bar 102 d, and visuallydistinguish it from the other portions of the GUI 100.

Although an outline 206 is shown in FIG. 2A, this is merely anillustrative example. In practice, other visual indications can be used,either instead of or in addition to an outline. For example, in somecases, key regions of the GUI 100 can be visually indicated usingdifferent colors (e.g., by highlighting the selected portion using aunique or contrasting color), using animations (e.g., by rendering amoving box or object to draw the user's attention to the selectedportion), changing the size of the selected portion (e.g., by expandingthe selected portion such that it is larger), or combinations thereof.

The window 204 presents information regarding the selected key region ofthe GUI 100. This can include, for example, a name of the key regionportion, a description of the selected key region, information containedwithin the selected key region, or a combination thereof. For example,as shown in FIG. 2A, the search bar 102 d is currently selected. Thus,window 204 presents information regarding the search bar 102 d.

The windows 202 and 204 can present information in a manner that is moreeasily read by a user. For example, the windows 202 and 204 can presentinformation using highly contrasting colors (e.g., white and black),using a particular typeface (e.g., an easy to read typeface), and/orusing a larger font size than those used in the window 110. Inre-presenting the information in this manner, the windows 202 and 204improve the legibility of the information, which may be of particularbenefit for people who have difficulty reading smaller text, textrendered using low contrast colors, and/or text rendered using difficultto read typefaces.

In some cases, an electronic device can identify one or more key regionsof the GUI by parsing information from the GUI, and interpreting theparsed information according to one or more rules. These key regions canthen be indicated to the user (e.g., using an outline 206, as shown inFIG. 2A), and information region these key regions can be presented tothe user (e.g., using the windows 202 and 204). Key regions can be, forexample, portions of the GUI that include relatively important orpertinent information options, or selections (e.g., the content region102 a, the content navigator region 102 b, the top level navigatorregion 102 c, or search bar 102 d shown in FIG. 1). This can bebeneficial, for example, as it allows the electronic device to identifykey regions of the GUI without having explicit information regardingwhich of the portions of the GUI correspond to key regions. Thus, theelectronic device can identify key regions of a GUI and indicate thoseregions to the user, even if a user, a software developer, anadministrator, or some other entity has not previously identified thoseregions as such.

In some cases, the electronic device can parse information from the GUIby parsing the underlying computer code that was used to generate orrender the GUI. For example, an application might include computer codethat, when executed by the electronic device, causes the electronicdevice to generate and present one or more visual elements on a devicescreen (e.g., the visual elements shown in window 110 of GUI 100). Theelectronic device can parse the computer code to identify each of thevisual elements and determine the properties of those visual elements.For example, the electronic device can parse the computer code toidentify the name of the visual element, the content of the visualelement, the size of the visual element, the shape of the visualelement, the location of the visual element on the GUI, the hierarchicalrelationship between the visual element and other visual elements, andso forth.

In some cases, the electronic device can parse information from the GUIby parsing the generated or rendered GUI (e.g., an image representingthe GUI 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, such as a screen capture). Theelectronic device can parse an image of the GUI (or some other graphicalrepresentation of the GUI), and using image analysis, identify each ofthe visual elements and determine the properties of those visualelements. For example, the electronic device can parse the image toidentify the name of the visual element, the content of the visualelement, the shape of the visual element, the location of the visualelement on the GUI, the hierarchical relationship between the visualelement and other visual elements, and so forth.

The electronic device can identify one or more key regions of the GUI byinterpreting the parsed information according to one or more rules.These rules can define various properties and conditions upon which aportion of a GUI can be identified a key region. Example rules arediscussed in further detail below.

In some cases, the electronic device can also aurally indicate theselected region, either instead of or in addition to visually indicatingthe selected region. For example, the electronic device can generate aspoken description of the information contained within the windows 202and/or 204, such that the user can understand the contents of the window110 without having to view the GUI 100. As another example, theelectronic device can generate music, sound effects, or other audioindications to provide information regarding the selected region. Forexample, each key region of the GUI 100 can be associated with aparticular unique sound, and the electronic device can playback thesesounds to indicate which key region of the GUI 100 has been selected.

While the GUI 100 is in accessibility mode, the user can cycle througheach of the key regions of the GUI, such that different key regions ofthe GUI 100 are indicated, and information regarding those key regionsare presented to the user. For instance, the user can input a commandinstructing the electronic device to cycle to the next key region of theGUI 100 listed in the window 202 (e.g., by inputting one or morekeystrokes on a keyboard, performing one or more clicks on a mouse,performing one or more gestures using an input device, uttering one ormore words or phrases, or a combination thereof). In response, the GUI100 updates by visually and/or aurally indicating the next key region ofthe GUI 100, and by providing the user with information regarding theselected key region. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the user caninstruct the electronic device to cycle forward on the list to thecontent navigator region 102 b. In response, the GUI 100 visuallyindicates the content navigator region 102 b with an outline 208 aroundthe content navigator region 102 b. Similarly, the window 204 updates todisplay information regarding the content navigator region 102 b. Asabove, aural indications (e.g., spoken information, music, soundeffects, or other audio indications) can be generated to provideinformation regarding the GUI.

The user can continue to cycle through each of the key regions of theGUI. For example, as shown FIG. 2C, the user can instruct the electronicdevice to cycle forward on the list to the content top level navigatorregion 102 c. In response, the GUI 100 visually indicates the contenttop level navigator region 102 c with an outline 210 around the contenttop level navigator region 102 c. Similarly, the window 204 updates todisplay information regarding the content top level navigator region 102c. As above, aural indications (e.g., spoken information, music, soundeffects, or other audio indications) can be generated to provideinformation regarding the GUI.

The user can continue to cycle through each of the key regions of theGUI. For example, as shown FIG. 2D, the user can instruct the electronicdevice to cycle forward on the list to the content region 102 a. Inresponse, the GUI 100 visually indicates the content region 102 a withan outline 212 around the content region 102 a. Similarly, the window204 updates to display information regarding the content region 102 a.As above, aural indications (e.g., spoken information, music, soundeffects, or other audio indications) can be generated to provideinformation regarding the GUI.

Thus, the user can select from among the different key regions of theGUI 100 (e.g., by cycling forwards and/or backwards through the listshown in window 202) to receive visual and/or aural assistance regardingthe selected key region.

In some cases, the user can also interact with the window 110 while theGUI 100 is in accessibility mode. This can be useful, for example, as itallows the user to navigate through the GUI 100, review informationpresented by the GUI 100, and input commands through the GUI 100 withoutleaving the accessibility mode. For example, as described above withrespect to FIG. 2B, the user can instruct the electronic device to cycleto the content navigator region 102 b. In response, the GUI 100 visuallyindicates the content navigator region 102 b with an outline 208 aroundthe content navigator region 102 b. Similarly, the window 204 updates todisplay information regarding the content navigator region 102 b. Asabove, aural indications (e.g., spoken information, music, soundeffects, or other audio indications) can be generated to provideinformation regarding the GUI.

While the content navigator region 102 b is selected, the user canconfirm selection the content navigator region 102 b (e.g., by inputtingone or more keystrokes on a keyboard, performing one or more clicks on amouse, performing one or more gestures using an input device, utteringone or more words or phrases, or a combination thereof). As shown inFIG. 3, in response, the window 202 updates to show the contents of thecontent navigator region 102 b (e.g., by displaying a list of each ofthe fonts displayed in the content navigator region 102 b). In a similarmanner as before, the user can cycle through this list to select aparticular item that he wishes to view, and the GUI 100 can display anoutline 214 that visually indicates each item as the user cycles throughthe list. Similarly, the window 204 can update to display informationregarding the selected item and/or the content navigator region 102 b.The user can also reverse this selection, such that the GUI 100 returnsto the previous selection (e.g., such that GUI 100 returns to the viewshown in FIG. 2B). As above, aural indications (e.g., spokeninformation, music, sound effects, or other audio indications) can begenerated to provide information regarding the GUI.

As described above, the user can interact with the GUI 100 inaccessibility mode by inputting one or more keystrokes on a keyboard,performing one or more clicks on a mouse, performing one or moregestures using an input device, uttering one or more words or phrases,or a combination thereof. As an example, a user can press the arrow keyson his keyboard to cycle between each of the items shown in window 202,press the enter key to confirm his selection of a particular item, andpress escape to reverse or undo a particular selection. As anotherexample, a user can utter particular voice commands in a microphone ofthe electronic device, and the electronic device can interpret the voicecommands using speech recognition. For instance, the user can utter “up”or “down” to cycle between each of the items shown in window 202, utter“select” to confirm his selection of a particular item, and utter “back”to reverse or undo a particular selection. As another example, a usercan perform gestures on an input device (e.g., by swiping one or morefingers along a touch sensitive surface, or by making a gesture whileholding an input device such as a mouse). For instance, the user canmake an upward or downward gesture using an input device to cyclebetween each of the items shown in window 202, make a rightward gestureto confirm his selection of a particular item, and make a leftwardgesture to reverse or undo a particular selection. Other combinations ofinputs are also possible.

Although an example GUI 100 is shown and described, this is merely anillustrative example. In practice, the electronic device can provideuser assistance for any GUI displayed by the electronic device. As anexample, FIG. 4 shows another GUI 400 for an e-mail application. In asimilar manner as with the GUI 100, the GUI 400 includes a window 410with several key regions, including a content region 402 a, a contentnavigator region 402 b, a top level navigator region 402 c, and a searchbar 402 d.

The GUI 400 also includes two additional windows 404 and 406. In asimilar manner as with the GUI 100, the windows 404 and 406 presentinformation from the window 410, such that the information is morereadily understandable to a user. For instance, the window 404 can listeach of several key regions of the GUI 400, and allow the user to cyclebetween each of the items in the list. As the user cycles through thelist, the GUI 400 visually indicates the selection key region with anoutline 408, and provides information regarding the selected key regionthrough the window 406. Further, as the user cycles through the items inthe list, he can confirm his selection of a particular item. Inresponse, the window 404 updates to show the contents of the selectedkey region of the GUI 400, including any user-selectable items containedwithin. For instance, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the user hasconfirmed selection of the content navigator region 402 b. Thus, thewindow 404 has updated to show user-selectable items (in this case,e-mail messages) that are listed in the content navigator region 402 b.As above, aural indications (e.g., spoken information, music, soundeffects, or other audio indications) can be generated to provideinformation regarding the GUI.

Although the examples above depict GUIs with a single content region, asingle content navigator region, a single top level navigator region,and a single search bar, these are also merely illustrative examples. Inpractice, a GUI can have any number of different key regions. Forexample, a GUI can include a content region, a content navigator region,and a top level navigator region, but does not include a search bar. Asanother example, a GUI can include a content region, a content navigatorregion, and an intermediate level navigator region, and a top levelnavigator region. However, regardless of the arrangement and compositionof the GUI, the electronic device can provide the user with assistance,such that the user can more readily understand and navigate through theGUI.

As described above, in some cases, an electronic device can identify oneor more key regions of the GUI by parsing information from the GUI, andinterpreting the parsed information according to one or more rules.These rules can define various properties and conditions upon which aportion of a GUI can be identified a key region.

For example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI having particulargeometric shapes are key regions of the GUI. In some cases, the shape ofa portion of a GUI can refer to the shape of an outermost boundary ofthat particular portion of the GUI. Thus, in some implementations, a keyregion can be distinguished by identifying portions of the GUI having anoutermost boundary defining one or more particular shapes. As example,in some cases a key region can be distinguished by identifying portionsof the GUI that have similar or identical vertical and horizontaldimensions. As another example, in some cases a key region can bedistinguished by identifying portions of the GUI that have differentvertical and horizontal dimensions (e.g., having a relatively greatervertical dimension than the horizontal dimension, or vice versa). Asanother example, in some cases a key region can be distinguished byidentifying portions of the GUI that have a particular ratio or range ofratios between its vertical and horizontal dimensions.

As another example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI havingparticular geometric sizes are key regions of the GUI. In some cases,the geometric size of a portion of a GUI can refer to a length or widthacross one or more dimensions of the portion of the GUI. Thus, in someimplementations, a key region can be distinguished by identifyingportions of the GUI having a particular length and/or width or within arange of lengths and/or widths. In some cases the geographical size of aportion of a GUI can refer to the geometric area of the portion of theGUI. Thus, in some implementations, a key region can be distinguished byidentifying portions of the GUI having a particular geometric area, or ageometric area within a particular range. As an example, in some cases akey region can be distinguished by identifying portions of the GUI thathave a vertical dimension greater than, less than, or equal to aparticular value (e.g., 100 pixels, 200 pixels, 300 pixels, or any otherheight). As another example, in some cases a key region can bedistinguished by identifying portions of the GUI that have a horizontaldimension greater than, less than, or equal to a particular value (e.g.,100 pixels, 200 pixels, 300 pixels, or any other width).

As yet another example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUIpositioned in a particular location of the GUI are key regions of theGUI. In some cases, the location of a portion of the GUI can be anabsolute position (e.g., defined by coordinates on a coordinate system).Thus, in some implementations, a key region can be distinguished byidentifying portions of the GUI that are positioned at particularabsolute locations within the GUI. In some cases, the location of aportion of the GUI can be a relative position (e.g., the position of oneportion of the GUI relative to another portion of the GUI). Thus, insome implementations, a key region can be distinguished by identifyingportions of the GUI that are positioned in a particular direction (e.g.,left, right, above, and/or below) with respect to other portions of theGUI. As an example, in some cases a key region can be distinguished byidentifying portions of the GUI is to the far right of a window. As anexample, in some cases a key region can be distinguished by identifyingportions of the GUI is below another region of the GUI (e.g., below atitle bar). As an example, in some cases a key region can bedistinguished by identifying portions of the GUI is to the left of oneor more other key regions.

As yet another example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI havinga particular hierarchical property with respect to other portions of theGUI are key regions of the GUI. In some cases, the hierarchical propertycan include information regarding the hierarchical level of a portion ofthe GUI with respect to a hierarchical tree (e.g., informationindicating that the portion of the GUI is at a “child” level, a “parent”level, a “grandparent” level, or some other level within a hierarchicaltree). Thus, in some implementations, a key region can be distinguishedby identifying portions of the GUI that are at a particular hierarchicallevel. In some cases, the hierarchical property can include informationregarding the relative hierarchical level of a portion of the GUI withrespect to other portions of the GUI (e.g., information indicating thatthe portion of the GUI is a “child” to another portion of the GUI withina hierarchical tree). Thus, in some implementations, a key region can bedistinguished by identifying portions of the GUI that have a particularhierarchical level relative to another portion of the GUI (e.g., ahigher level, a lower level, or the same level).

As yet another example, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI havingparticular contents, types of content, or combinations thereof are keyregions of the GUI. For instance, in some cases, a portion of the GUIcan contain different types of elements, such as interactive buttons,radio buttons, tables, scroll bars, icons, text, images, text fields,and so forth. Thus, in some implementations, a key region can bedistinguished by identifying portions of the GUI that include particulartypes of elements (e.g., one or more buttons, radio buttons, tables,scroll bars, icons, text, images, text fields, or combinations thereof).

In some cases, a key region can be distinguished by considering the sizeof the elements. As an example, the size of a table (e.g., how manycolumns and/or rows) can be used to determine if a portion of the GUI isa key region. As another example, the size of a text field (e.g., theheight and/or width of the text field) can be used to determine if aportion of the GUI is a key region.

In some cases, a portion of the GUI can contain different content (e.g.,different combinations of buttons, radio buttons, tables, scroll bars,icons, text, images, text fields, and/or other content). Thus, in someimplementations, a key region can be distinguished by identifyingportions of the GUI that include particular buttons, tables, scrollbars, icons, text, images, and/or other content.

In some cases, a portion of the GUI can contain textual information(e.g., labels, descriptions, or other text). Thus, in someimplementations, a key region can be distinguished by identifyingportions of the GUI that match particular keywords or strings of text.As an example, portions of the GUI having the keyword “messages” can beidentified as a key region. In some cases, a key region can beidentified based on grammatical or syntactical rules. As an example, akey region can be distinguished by identifying portions of the GUI thathave pluralized keywords (e.g., “messages”), or by identifying portionsof the GUI that have singular keywords (e.g., “message”).

In some cases, key regions can be dynamically determined. For example, aportion of the GUI can be initially identified as a non-key region.However, that portion of the GUI can later be identified as a key regionbased on dynamic events, such as inputs made by the user, changes to theportion of the GUI (e.g., changes in the contents, dimensions, shape,size, and/or other properties of the portion of the GUI), or otherdynamic factors. Similarly, a portion of the GUI can be initiallyidentified as a key region. However, that portion of the GUI can laterbe identified as a non-key region based on dynamic events. Thus, keyregions can be continuously identified and indicated to the user, suchthat the user is aware of the changing importance of each portion of theGUI.

In some cases, several different rules can be used in conjunction todetermine which portions of the GUI are key regions.

As an example, the electronic device can identify a search bar by usinga set of rules that define the expected properties of a search bar. Forinstance, the rules can specify that a search bar allows a user to entertextual information, is positioned near the top right portion of awindow, and is generally larger along a horizontal dimension than in thevertical dimension.

As another example, the electronic device can identify a content regionby using a set of rules that define the expected properties of a contentregion. For instance, the rules can specify that a content region isrelatively larger than other portions of the GUI, includes a scroll bar,has a hierarchical level that is lower than other portions of the GUI(e.g., the content navigator region), and is positioned to the right ofother portions of the GUI (e.g., the content navigator region).

As another example, the electronic device can identify a contentnavigator region by using a set of rules that define the expectedproperties of a content navigator region. For instance, the rules canspecify that a content navigator region includes a scroll bar, has ahierarchical level that is higher than some portions of the GUI (e.g.,the content region) and lower than other portions of the GUI (e.g., thetop level navigator region), and is positioned to the left of someportions of the GUI (e.g., the content region) and to the right of otherportions of the GUI (e.g., the top level navigator region).

As yet another example, the electronic device can identify a top levelnavigator region by using a set of rules that define the expectedproperties of a top level navigator region. For instance, the rules canspecify that a top level navigator region includes a scroll bar, has ahierarchical level that is higher than other portions of the GUI (e.g.,the content region and the content navigator region), and is positionedto the left of other portions of the GUI (e.g., the content region andthe content navigator region).

Although example sets of rules are described, these are merelyillustrative examples. In practice, any number of rules can be used toidentify any particular region of a GUI. For instance, if anapplication's GUI is designed in accordance with a particular set ofdesign standards (e.g., a set of guidelines provided to applicationdevelopers), an appropriate set of rules can be used to identifyportions of the GUI in accordance with those guidelines. As an example,if design standards dictate that a content region be positioned, shaped,and/or sized in a particular manner, an appropriate set of rules can beused to identify portions of the GUI having the prescribed position,shape, and/or size.

In some cases, when a software developer develops an application havinga GUI, the software developer need not specifically include informationthat explicitly identifies each of the portions of the GUI as keyregions. Instead, the electronic device can parse the GUI, thenautomatically make a determination based on one or more rules. As such,the electronic device can provide the user with assistance, even if theGUI had not been designed with this functionality in mind.

Example Processes

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example process 500 for identifying andindicating the key regions of a GUI. In some implementations, theprocess 500 can be implemented using, for example, the devicearchitecture 600 shown in FIG. 6.

The process 500 begins by receiving, in an electronic device, dataregarding a GUI to be presented on a display of the electronic device(step 502). As described above, in some cases, this data can be theunderlying computer code is used to generate or render the GUI. Forexample, an application might include computer code that, when executedby the electronic device, causes the electronic device to generate andpresent one or more visual elements on a device screen. In some cases,this data can be an image of the GUI, or some other graphicalrepresentation of the GUI. In some cases, this data can include acombination of computer code and one or more images of the GUI.

After receipt of the data regarding the GUI, the electronic deviceidentifies one or more key regions of the GUI based on the received dataand one or more rules (step 504). As described above, in some cases, theelectronic device can parse the received information, then interpret theparsed information according to one or more rules. For example, theelectronic device can parse received computer code, then interpret theparsed computer code according to one or more rules. As another example,the electronic device can parse received images of the GUI, theninterpret the parsed images (e.g., using image analysis techniques)according to one or more rules.

As described above, the one or more rules can define various propertiesand conditions upon which a portion of a GUI can be identified as a keyregion. For instance, the one or more rules can pertain to a geometricshape, a geometric size, a location, a hierarchical property, thecontents, or the types of contents of one or more graphical elements ofthe GUI, or a combination of multiple different criteria. For example, arule can specify that portions of a GUI having particular geometricshapes are key regions of the GUI. As another example, a rule canspecify that portions of a GUI having particular geometric sizes are keyregions of the GUI. As yet another example, a rule can specify thatportions of a GUI positioned in a particular location of the GUI are keyregions of the GUI. As yet another example, a rule can specify thatportions of a GUI having a particular hierarchical property with respectto other portions of the GUI are key regions of the GUI. As yet anotherexample, a rule can specify that portions of a GUI having particularcontents, types of contents, or combinations thereof are key regions ofthe GUI. In some cases, several different rules can be used inconjunction to determine which portions of the GUI are key regions.

As described above, the key regions of a GUI can include, for example,regions of the GUI that present available commands, selection options,content, and/or other information of relatively greater importance orpertinence to the user. These regions can include, for instance, acontent region that displays content to a user, a content navigatorregion that allows the user to select information that he wishes to view(e.g., by selecting information that he wishes to view in the contentregion), a top level navigator region that also allows the user toselect information that he wishes to view (e.g., by selectinginformation that he wishes to view in the content navigator regionand/or content region), and a search bar (e.g., an input region thatallows the user to input one or more criteria to filter the informationshown in the GUI). Regions that are not key regions can include, forexample, portions of the GUI that are presented solely or primarily forcosmetic or aesthetic purposes. For example, portions of the GUI thatprovide space or padding between the key regions of the GUI, in somecases, are not considered key regions. Regions that are not key regionscan also include, for example, portions of the GUI that includerelatively unimportant or unrelated information.

As also described above, the received data need not explicitly identifyportions of the graphical user interface as the one or more key regions.For example, when a software developer develops an application havingthe GUI, the software developer need not specifically includeinformation that explicitly identifies each of the portions of the GUIas key regions (e.g., “key region” flags, labels, strings of text, orother identifiers that explicitly identify particular portions of theGUI as key regions). Instead, the electronic device can parse the GUI,then automatically make a determination based on one or more rules. Assuch, the electronic device can provide the user with assistance, evenif the GUI had not been designed with this functionality in mind.

The electronic device also presents the GUI on the display of theelectronic device (step 506). As an example, the electronic device cangenerate or render the GUI in accordance with the underlying computercode, then display the generated or rendered GUI on a display device(e.g., the touch surface 646 shown in FIG. 6).

The electronic device also indicates at least one of the key regions ofthe graphical user interface using the electronic device (step 508). Asdescribed above, the electronic device can visually indicate the keyregions, for example by highlighting, outlining, expanding, and/orre-presenting information from the key regions, such that the keyregions and/or the information contained within these regions are morevisually distinctive within the GUI. This visual indication allows theuser to more readily identify a particular key region of the GUI, andvisually distinguish it from the other portions of the GUI.

In some cases, the electronic device can aurally indicate informationregarding at least one of the key regions of the GUI. This can beperformed, for instance, using the audio subsystem 626 and speaker 628shown in FIG. 6. For example, the electronic device can generate aspoken description of the information contained within a key region,such that the user can understand the contents of the GUI without havingto view the GUI. As another example, the electronic device can generatemusic, sound effects, or other audio indications to provide informationregarding a key region. For instance, each portion of the GUI can beassociated with a particular unique sound, and the electronic device canplayback these sounds to indicate different portions of the GUI.

In some cases, a user can instruct the electronic device to cycle orstep through multiple different regions of the GUI. For example, theelectronic device can identify multiple different key regions of a GUI,then display a list of the identified regions to the user. The user canselect a key region from among the list, and in response, the electronicdevice can indicate the selected region to the user. This indication canbe, for example, a visual indication, an aural indication, or both.

Example Client Device Architecture

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example client device architecture 600for implementing the features and processes described in reference toFIGS. 1-5. Architecture 600 may be implemented in any mobile device forgenerating the features described in reference to FIGS. 1-5, includingbut not limited to portable computers, smart phones, tablet computers,game consoles, wearable computers and the like. Architecture 600 mayinclude memory interface 602, data processor(s), image processor(s) orcentral processing unit(s) 604, and peripherals interface 606. Memoryinterface 602, processor(s) 604 or peripherals interface 606 may beseparate components or may be integrated in one or more integratedcircuits. One or more communication buses or signal lines may couple thevarious components.

Sensors, devices, and subsystems may be coupled to peripherals interface606 to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, motion sensor610, light sensor 612, and proximity sensor 614 may be coupled toperipherals interface 606 to facilitate orientation, lighting, andproximity functions of the device. For example, in some implementations,light sensor 612 may be utilized to facilitate adjusting the brightnessof touch surface 646. In some implementations, motion sensor 610 (e.g.,an accelerometer, gyros) may be utilized to detect movement andorientation of the device. Accordingly, display objects or media may bepresented according to a detected orientation (e.g., portrait orlandscape).

Other sensors may also be connected to peripherals interface 606, suchas a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, or other sensing device, tofacilitate related functionalities.

Location processor 615 (e.g., GNSS receiver chip) may be connected toperipherals interface 606 to provide geo-referencing. Electronicmagnetometer 616 (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) may also beconnected to peripherals interface 606 to provide data that may be usedto determine the direction of magnetic North. Thus, electronicmagnetometer 616 may be used as an electronic compass.

Camera subsystem 620 and an optical sensor 622, e.g., a charged coupleddevice (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) opticalsensor, may be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such asrecording photographs and video clips.

Communication functions may be facilitated through one or morecommunication subsystems 624. Communication subsystem(s) 624 may includeone or more wireless communication subsystems. Wireless communicationsubsystems 624 may include radio frequency receivers and transmittersand/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. Wiredcommunication system may include a port device, e.g., a Universal SerialBus (USB) port or some other wired port connection that may be used toestablish a wired connection to other computing devices, such as othercommunication devices, network access devices, a personal computer, aprinter, a display screen, or other processing devices capable ofreceiving or transmitting data.

The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem624 may depend on the communication network(s) or medium(s) over whichthe device is intended to operate. For example, a device may includewireless communication subsystems designed to operate over a globalsystem for mobile communications (GSM) network, a GPRS network, anenhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) network, 802.x communicationnetworks (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Max), code division multiple access (CDMA)networks, NFC and a Bluetooth™ network. Wireless communicationsubsystems 624 may include hosting protocols such that the device may beconfigured as a base station for other wireless devices. As anotherexample, the communication subsystems may allow the device tosynchronize with a host device using one or more protocols, such as, forexample, the TCP/IP protocol, HTTP protocol, UDP protocol, and any otherknown protocol.

Audio subsystem 626 may be coupled to a speaker 628 and one or moremicrophones 630 to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voicerecognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephonyfunctions.

I/O subsystem 640 may include touch controller 642 and/or other inputcontroller(s) 644. Touch controller 642 may be coupled to a touchsurface 646. Touch surface 646 and touch controller 642 may, forexample, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of anumber of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited tocapacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies,as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements fordetermining one or more points of contact with touch surface 646. In oneimplementation, touch surface 646 may display virtual or soft buttonsand a virtual keyboard, which may be used as an input/output device bythe user.

Other input controller(s) 644 may be coupled to other input/controldevices 648, such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel,infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. Theone or more buttons (not shown) may include an up/down button for volumecontrol of speaker 628 and/or microphone 630.

In some implementations, a device having device architecture 600 maypresent recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEGvideo files. In some implementations, a device having devicearchitecture 600 may include the functionality of an MP3 player and mayinclude a pin connector for tethering to other devices. Otherinput/output and control devices may be used.

Memory interface 602 may be coupled to memory 650. Memory 650 mayinclude high-speed random access memory or non-volatile memory, such asone or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storagedevices, or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). Memory 650 may storeoperating system 652, such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS,or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. Operating system 652may include instructions for handling basic system services and forperforming hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations, operatingsystem 652 may include a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel).

Memory 650 may also store communication instructions 654 to facilitatecommunicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computersor servers, including peer-to-peer communications. Communicationinstructions 654 may also be used to select an operational mode orcommunication medium for use by the device, based on a geographiclocation (obtained by the GPS/Navigation instructions 668) of thedevice. Memory 650 may include graphical user interface instructions 656to facilitate graphic user interface processing, including a touch modelfor interpreting touch inputs and gestures; sensor processinginstructions 658 to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions;phone instructions 660 to facilitate phone-related processes andfunctions; electronic messaging instructions 662 to facilitateelectronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsinginstructions 664 to facilitate web browsing-related processes andfunctions; media processing instructions 666 to facilitate mediaprocessing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions668 to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes; camerainstructions 670 to facilitate camera-related processes and functions;and other instructions 672 for performing some or all of the processes,as described in reference to FIGS. 1-5.

Each of the above identified instructions and applications maycorrespond to a set of instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above. These instructions need not be implemented as separatesoftware programs, procedures, or modules. Memory 650 may includeadditional instructions or fewer instructions. Furthermore, variousfunctions of the device may be implemented in hardware and/or insoftware, including in one or more signal processing and/or applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs).

The features described may be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or incombinations of them. The features may be implemented in a computerprogram product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in amachine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmableprocessor; and method steps may be performed by a programmable processorexecuting a program of instructions to perform functions of thedescribed implementations by operating on input data and generatingoutput.

The described features may be implemented advantageously in one or morecomputer programs that are executable on a programmable system includingat least one programmable processor coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a datastorage system, at least one input device, and at least one outputdevice. A computer program is a set of instructions that may be used,directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity orbring about a certain result. A computer program may be written in anyform of programming language (e.g., Objective-C, Java), includingcompiled or interpreted languages, and it may be deployed in any form,including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructionsinclude, by way of example, both general and special purposemicroprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors orcores, of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receiveinstructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memoryor both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor forexecuting instructions and one or more memories for storing instructionsand data. Generally, a computer may communicate with mass storagedevices for storing data files. These mass storage devices may includemagnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks;magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable fortangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include allforms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductormemory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices;magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks;magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor andthe memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs(application-specific integrated circuits).

To provide for interaction with a user the features may be implementedon a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube)or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information tothe author and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or atrackball by which the author may provide input to the computer.

One or more features or steps of the disclosed embodiments may beimplemented using an Application Programming Interface (API). An API maydefine on or more parameters that are passed between a callingapplication and other software code (e.g., an operating system, libraryroutine, function) that provides a service, that provides data, or thatperforms an operation or a computation.

The API may be implemented as one or more calls in program code thatsend or receive one or more parameters through a parameter list or otherstructure based on a call convention defined in an API specificationdocument. A parameter may be a constant, a key, a data structure, anobject, an object class, a variable, a data type, a pointer, an array, alist, or another call. API calls and parameters may be implemented inany programming language. The programming language may define thevocabulary and calling convention that a programmer will employ toaccess functions supporting the API.

In some implementations, an API call may report to an application thecapabilities of a device running the application, such as inputcapability, output capability, processing capability, power capability,communications capability, etc.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made. Elements of one ormore implementations may be combined, deleted, modified, or supplementedto form further implementations. As yet another example, the logic flowsdepicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, orsequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other stepsmay be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows,and other components may be added to, or removed from, the describedsystems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, in an electronicdevice, data regarding a graphical user interface to be presented on adisplay of the electronic device; determining, at the electronic deviceand based on the received data, that one or more rules are satisfied,the one or more rules specifying at least one of a geometric shape ofone or more portions of the graphical user interface indicative of a keyregion, a geometric size of one or more portions of the graphical userinterface indicative of a key region, a location of one or more portionsof the graphical user interface indicative of a key region, or ahierarchical property of one or more portions of the graphical userinterface indicative of a key region; responsive to the determining,identifying, at the electronic device, one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface; presenting, on the display of the electronicdevice, the graphical user interface; and indicating, using theelectronic device, at least one of the key regions of the graphical userinterface.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein indicating at least one ofthe key regions of the graphical user interface comprises visuallyindicating, on the display of the electronic device, at least one of thekey regions of the graphical user interface.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein indicating at least one of the key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises aurally indicating, using an audio output of theelectronic device, information regarding at least one of the key regionsof the graphical user interface.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinaurally indicating information regarding at least one of the key regionsof the graphical user interface comprises outputting a spokendescription of contents of at least one of the key regions.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein determining that the one or more rules aresatisfied comprises: determining a geometric shape of a first portion ofthe graphical user interface based on the received data; and determiningthat the geometric shape of the first portion of the graphical userinterface satisfies at least one of the rules; and wherein identifyingthe one or more key regions of the graphical user interface comprises,responsive to determining that the geometric shape of the first portionof the graphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the first portion of the graphical user interface as one ofthe key regions.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that theone or more rules are satisfied comprises: determining a geometric sizeof a first portion of the graphical user interface based on the receiveddata; and determining that the geometric size of the first portion ofthe graphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the geometric sizeof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical userinterface as one of the key regions.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining that the one or more rules are satisfied comprises:determining a location of a first portion of the graphical userinterface based on the received data; and determining that the locationof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules; and wherein identifying the one or more key regions ofthe graphical user interface comprises, responsive to determining thatthe location of the first portion of the graphical user interfacesatisfies at least one of the rules, identifying the first portion ofthe graphical user interface as one of the key regions.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining that the one or more rules are satisfiedcomprises: determining a hierarchical relationship between a firstportion of the graphical user interface with one or more other portionsof the graphical user interface based on the received data; anddetermining that the hierarchical relationship satisfies at least one ofthe rules; and wherein identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface comprises, responsive to determining that thehierarchical relationship satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the first portion of the graphical user interface as one ofthe key regions.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that theone or more rules are satisfied comprises: determining contents of afirst portion of the graphical user interface based on the receiveddata; and determining that the contents of the first portion of thegraphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the contents of thefirst portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at least one ofthe rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical user interfaceas one of the key regions.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thecontents of the first portion of the graphical user interface compriseat least one of a button, a radio button, a table, a scroll bar, anicon, a text string, an image, or a text field; and wherein the contentsof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules if the contents of first portion of the graphical userinterface contains a particular combination of buttons, radio buttons,tables, scroll bars, icons, text strings, images, and/or text fields.11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the key regionscorresponds to a navigation portion of the graphical user interface, acontent selection portion of the graphical user interface, or a contentpresentation portion of the graphical user interface.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the electronic device, a userinput specifying that another identified key region be indicated on thegraphical user interface; and responsive to receiving the user input,indicating, using the electronic device, another identified key regionof the graphical user interface.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thereceived data does not explicitly identify portions of the graphicaluser interface as the one or more key regions.
 14. A system comprising:a display device; one or more processors; and a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium including one or more sequences of instructionswhich, when executed by the one or more processors, causes: receivingdata regarding a graphical user interface to be presented on the displaydevice; determining, by the one or more processors and based on thereceived data, that one or more rules are satisfied, the one or morerules specifying at least one of a geometric shape of one or moreportions of the graphical user interface indicative of a key region, ageometric size of one or more portions of the graphical user interfaceindicative of a key region, a location of one or more portions of thegraphical user interface indicative of a key region, or a hierarchicalproperty of one or more portions of the graphical user interfaceindicative of a key region; responsive to the determining, identifyingone or more key regions of the graphical user interface; presenting, onthe display device, the graphical user interface; and indicating atleast one of the key regions of the graphical user interface.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein indicating at least one of the key regionsof the graphical user interface comprises visually indicating, on thedisplay device, at least one of the key regions of the graphical userinterface.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein indicating at least oneof the key regions of the graphical user interface comprises aurallyindicating, using an audio device, information regarding at least one ofthe key regions of the graphical user interface.
 17. The system of claim16, wherein aurally indicating information regarding at least one of thekey regions of the graphical user interface comprises outputting aspoken description of contents of at least one of the key regions. 18.The system of claim 14, wherein determining that the one or more rulesare satisfied comprises: determining a geometric shape of a firstportion of the graphical user interface based on the received data; anddetermining that the geometric shape of the first portion of thegraphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the geometric shapeof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical userinterface as one of the key regions.
 19. The system of claim 14, whereindetermining that the one or more rules are satisfied comprises:determining a geometric size of a first portion of the graphical userinterface based on the received data; and determining that the geometricsize of the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies atleast one of the rules; and wherein identifying the one or more keyregions of the graphical user interface comprises, responsive todetermining that the geometric size of the first portion of thegraphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the first portion of the graphical user interface as one ofthe key regions.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein determining thatthe one or more rules are satisfied comprises: determining a location ofa first portion of the graphical user interface based on the receiveddata; and determining that the location of the first portion of thegraphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the location of thefirst portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at least one ofthe rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical user interfaceas one of the key regions.
 21. The system of claim 14, whereindetermining that the one or more rules are satisfied comprises:determining a hierarchical relationship between a first portion of thegraphical user interface with one or more other portions of thegraphical user interface based on the received data; and determiningthat the hierarchical relationship satisfies at least one of the rules;and wherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphicaluser interface comprises, responsive to determining that thehierarchical relationship satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the first portion of the graphical user interface as one ofthe key regions.
 22. The system of claim 14, wherein determining thatthe one or more rules are satisfied comprises: determining contents of afirst portion of the graphical user interface based on the receiveddata; and determining that the contents of the first portion of thegraphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the contents of thefirst portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at least one ofthe rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical user interfaceas one of the key regions.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein thecontents of the first portion of the graphical user interface compriseat least one of a button, a radio button, a table, a scroll bar, anicon, a text string, an image, or a text field; and wherein the contentsof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules if the contents of first portion of the graphical userinterface contains a particular combination of buttons, radio buttons,tables, scroll bars, icons, text strings, images, and/or text fields.24. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the key regionscorresponds to a navigation portion of the graphical user interface, acontent selection portion of the graphical user interface, or a contentpresentation portion of the graphical user interface.
 25. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more sequences of instructions, whenexecuted by the one or more processes, further causes: receiving, at thesystem, a user input specifying that another identified key region beindicated on the graphical user interface; and responsive to receivingthe user input, indicating another identified key region of thegraphical user interface.
 26. The system of claim 14, wherein thereceived data does not explicitly identify portions of the graphicaluser interface as the one or more key regions.
 27. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium including one or more sequences of instructionswhich, when executed by one or more processors, causes: receiving, in anelectronic device, data regarding a graphical user interface to bepresented on a display of the electronic device; determining, at theelectronic device and based on the received data, that one or more rulesare satisfied, the one or more rules specifying at least one of ageometric shape of one or more portions of the graphical user interfaceindicative of a key region, a geometric size of one or more portions ofthe graphical user interface indicative of a key region, a location ofone or more portions of the graphical user interface indicative of a keyregion, or a hierarchical property of one or more portions of thegraphical user interface indicative of a key region responsive to thedetermining, identifying, at the electronic device, one or more keyregions of the graphical user interface; presenting, on the display ofthe electronic device, the graphical user interface; and indicating,using the electronic device, at least one of the key regions of thegraphical user interface.
 28. The transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 27, wherein indicating at least one of the key regions of thegraphical user interface comprises visually indicating, on the displayof the electronic device, at least one of the key regions of thegraphical user interface.
 29. The transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 27, wherein indicating at least one of the key regions of thegraphical user interface comprises aurally indicating, using an audiooutput of the electronic device, information regarding at least one ofthe key regions of the graphical user interface.
 30. The transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein aurally indicatinginformation regarding at least one of the key regions of the graphicaluser interface comprises outputting a spoken description of contents ofat least one of the key regions.
 31. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein determining that the oneor more rules are satisfied comprises: determining a geometric shape ofa first portion of the graphical user interface based on the receiveddata; and determining that the geometric shape of the first portion ofthe graphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the geometric shapeof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical userinterface as one of the key regions.
 32. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein determining that the oneor more rules are satisfied comprises: determining a geometric size of afirst portion of the graphical user interface based on the receiveddata; and determining that the geometric size of the first portion ofthe graphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules; andwherein identifying the one or more key regions of the graphical userinterface comprises, responsive to determining that the geometric sizeof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules, identifying the first portion of the graphical userinterface as one of the key regions.
 33. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein determining that the oneor more rules are satisfied comprises: determining a location of a firstportion of the graphical user interface based on the received data; anddetermining that the location of the first portion of the graphical userinterface satisfies at least one of the rules; and wherein identifyingthe one or more key regions of the graphical user interface comprises,responsive to determining that the location of the first portion of thegraphical user interface satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the first portion of the graphical user interface as one ofthe key regions.
 34. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 27, wherein determining that the one or more rules are satisfiedcomprises: determining a hierarchical relationship between a firstportion of the graphical user interface with one or more other portionsof the graphical user interface based on the received data; anddetermining that the hierarchical relationship satisfies at least one ofthe rules; and wherein identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface comprises, responsive to determining that thehierarchical relationship satisfies at least one of the rules,identifying the first portion of the graphical user interface as one ofthe key regions.
 35. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 27, wherein determining that the one or more rules are satisfiedcomprises: determining contents of a first portion of the graphical userinterface based on the received data; determining that the contents ofthe first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at least oneof the rules; and wherein identifying the one or more key regions of thegraphical user interface comprises, responsive to determining that thecontents of the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfiesat least one of the rules, identifying the first portion of thegraphical user interface as one of the key regions.
 36. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein thecontents of the first portion of the graphical user interface compriseat least one of a button, a radio button, a table, a scroll bar, anicon, a text string, an image, or a text field; and wherein the contentsof the first portion of the graphical user interface satisfies at leastone of the rules if the contents of the first portion of the graphicaluser interface contains a particular combination of buttons, radiobuttons, tables, scroll bars, icons, text strings, images, and/or textfields.
 37. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 27,wherein at least one of the key regions corresponds to a navigationportion of the graphical user interface, a content selection portion ofthe graphical user interface, or a content presentation portion of thegraphical user interface.
 38. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 27, wherein the one or more sequences of instructions,when executed by one or more processors, further causes: receiving, atthe electronic device, a user input specifying that another identifiedkey region be indicated on the graphical user interface; and responsiveto receiving the user input, indicating, using the electronic device,another identified key region of the graphical user interface.
 39. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 27, wherein thereceived data does not explicitly identify portions of the graphicaluser interface as the one or more key regions.